Salem Cross Inn

Excellent cosy atmosphere and good food. When they have a fire going in the fireplace and rottisery meat — the smell is amazing!

Went to have a Birthday dinner for my wife. Intended on getting their awesome prime rib but waitress changed our minds. She recited the specials and we could see it through her description. Salem Cross Inn’s own beef shank slowly cooked with a pan gravy. Was absolutely incredible and tender beyond belief. Service was excellent which made the evening the best. The landscape and staff make a great atmosphere. Our favorite restaurant in MA.

We recently went to the Dover’s roast. Like all the other reviews the place itself is beautiful and worth the trip. The food was good, nothing spectacular. I did like that the beef was served on the rare side. However the slices served were thin. They do come around with seconds but I was full by then. The apple desert that was served was lacking flavor and bitter. It needed more spice and sugar. But the real disappointment was the service. The girls serving the food never smiled and when I asked for something the response was a very quick and rude «NO». We enjoyed the evening and I would love to go back, however I am hesitant because of the unfriendly and rude attitudes of the servers we encountered during this visit. I think they need to find some new servers if they want return guest.

Always excellent food and service! I love the fireplace and the music at the Hexmark as well. Maple jack chicken, salmon, scallops, burgers, and fish and chips are phenomenal and I highly recommend them!

Definitely one of my favorite restaurants for when I’m in MA, HANDS DOWN. This place has a feeling of authenticity, warmth and kindness that it exudes from the moment you step foot on the property. From the jaw dropping views of open fields and mountains with cows grazing in the distance. it is a fall favorite destination for me and my s/​o.
The food is amazing. From fresh fish, meat and vegetables– I know I’m getting première quality food every time I order. As a vegetarian, there is always a quinoa or wild rice option with a ton of sides and warm soups to choose from. The warmth of the freshly baked– straight out of the oven biscuits and breads. My mouth is watering as I write this up. The servers are always incredibly hospitable and open to conversation, talking about the history of the restaurant and inn as well as their own experiences working there!
The atmosphere screams historical portrayal of what your experience at this restaurant would have been even if you had gone there 50 years in the past.
I am looking forward to their fall festivities and open markets downstairs with vendors offering all types of goods from arts and crafts to fudge and candy!
A must go if you’re in the MA area, especially if you’re traveling by car and craving an experience full of nature and history, kind people and delicious in season food!

We recently had our daughter’s wedding at Salem Cross. It was absolutely wonderful. We got so much positive feedback. We had the fireplace roasted prime rib and the maple jack chicken. Both received rave reviews. Comments were made about the efficiency of the waitstaff and how attentive they were to the needs of our guests. Nancy and Donna were great to work with and helped us along the way with our planning. We had used the barn for the reception and outdoors for the ceremony. Everything looked beautiful and just as we wanted it!

We have had dinner at Salem Cross, attended a Fire Side Feast and this past May we had our Wedding reception and each time we go to Salem Cross Inn we are so blown away by the quality of the food and customer service!
Salam Cross Inn has all the makings of a wonderful venue: Responsive managers (Nancy and Donna), pleasant staff, hassle free planning, tasteful recommendations, charming rustic décor, beautiful grounds, and the best part; outstanding food and cake! We don’t feel as though we can accurately describe the amazing time that our guests and we had at Salem Cross Inn! Nancy and Donna were extremely pleasant to work with and executed a beautiful reception. Everything was wonderful, down to the last detail and we are so grateful to everyone at Salem Cross Inn for making our day so special and perfect! The staff at Salem Cross truly goes above and beyond and we can’t be happier that we chose them as our Reception venue.

Food is amazing. View is wonderful. Atmosphere inviting.
On this day, our first in a long time the staff was very friendly and very slow. They didn’t seemed thrilled to be there.
We waited about 4 minutes to get greeted by the hostess and another 4 min to meet our waitress.
I will certainly come back, I just hope the staff gets a pep talk.

I had high expectations after reading all the reviews, but from the moment we arrived it was unlike most dining experiences I’ve ever had. There was no one, anywhere, to greet us or direct us, and they had an event going on outside, and more than one dining room. After creeping around the place we finally found the Hexmark Tavern and even then, not one staff member to be found. Finally we saw someone who told us we could sit outside anywhere.
It took 15 minutes to get water, and we finally received menus. There was grilling that night, and a special menu for it, so a few of us ordered from the grill. We ordered the sharing plate appetizer, which is billed as whatever the chef decides to create that night. Well, chef is not terribly creative– it was cheese, crackers, and prosciutto and fruit. Fine, but nothing remarkable or interesting.
Food took a very long time to arrive, despite being right there watching the chef grilling and my entrée was basically cold. I don’t know if the grill was on at all, or how you manage to cook something for over 30 minutes and then serve it cold. It was tender (beef) but not even seasoned. The whole plate was underseasoned and uninspired.
Granted, in an area full of pizza and donut shops the Inn is the only game in a few towns, and the space is gorgeous. But it is understaffed and putting out food not worthy of the prices or the setting. It’s worth maybe a 30% reduction in prices. It’s an exercise in mediocre service and food.

Had a stellar dinner tonight. The fish was fresh out of the water wonderful. My hubby had the duck. He said it was tender, was not fatty and the sauce was amazing.
The lemonchella martini was amazing. Then the wine sampler…5 stars

34 of us had the Fireside Feast — what fun! You gather is a big room have wonderful cheese and crackers, mulled wine or cider and can take a horse drawn carriage ride.
The kids helped make apple pie and we all got to stir the fish chowder. The prime rib smelled heavenly. We all went upstairs and enjoyed our feast. Chowder — loaded with fish, the rolls were wonderful. The prime rib seasoned beautiful, squash that tasted like desert except then comes desert. Wonderful apple pie and homemade whip cream to die for. The service was terrific. This is a great gathering place. Martha — thank you for being so welcoming.

Salem Cross Inn is just 20 minutes from our home in Sturbridge. We dine there often and have for over 30 years. Our favorites are the fresh seafood dishes served with lots of veggies. Perfect for family events or socializing with a group of friends. The historic atmosphere and good service make us feel at home. They have a tavern downstairs too. The owners are usually present and they care about the customers.

I’ve been here a couple times for dinner. I love the rustic feel and the food was great. I am getting married here in November, beautiful area.

New Year’s Eve event was fantastic! Recommend to anyone looking for an evening of great food, guest participation and dancing till midnight.
We will definitely be back!

Ate at the Hexmark Tavern which is in the basement of Salem Cross Inn. They have limited hours so check their website before going.
The prime rib was very good. The Maple Jack Chicken was dry and had hardly any maple syrup onn it, two tiny little bacon bits and very little cheese. It was flavorless and dry. The whipped potatoes were cold. The butternut squash was very good and served hot, the green beans were very good. The muffins and rolls were very good.
The onion soup and chowder were very good.
Service was very, very, painfully slow. After a long day at work, we would have liked them to be a little quicker.
We will return again but will not order the chicken. We would recommend this place to our friends.

The good: is a beautiful space. Very rustic, and the view out the window to the gardens and the fall foliage was gorgeous.
I really liked the French onion soup… the cheese was melted nicely, but the soup wasn’t so hot I had to wait 15 minutes to taste it. Also, it was flavorful without being too salty.
The mediocre: the dinner was fairly pricey for what we got. It wasn’t bad, but just overpriced.
The bad: The woman who answered the phone when I called to make a reservation was really rough. She only said three things: «Salem Cross Inn,» «name?» and «bye,» then abruptly hung up.
The waitresses, although often speed-​walking through the dining area, were somewhat inattentive. I got the impression they were understaffed for the dinner crowd. Our particular waitress wasn’t unfriendly, but not terribly welcoming, either.
The dresses the waitresses are forced to wear should be eliminated. I realize they’re meant to harken back to when the place was built, but the dowdy cut and ugly floral prints are wildly unflattering… especially paired with modern sneakers. To make matters worse, the men wear modern shirts and ties which makes all the women look even more ridiculous. It comes across as sexist making the unfortunate women wear hideous dresses while the guys look more presentable.

This place is a classic colonial New England restaurant, which my husband and I frequent a few times a year (we live three minutes away). The waitresses and waiters dress in period clothing and the food is well-​prepared and delicious. The fresh baked muffins and desserts are favorites of mine. In the winter, the fire in the large fireplace creates an even more cozy environment.
One of my favorite things about this place is that it has a working dumb waiter. Drink orders are sent to the tavern bar one floor down, so you can watch it in action.
The tavern provides a less expensive dining experience, with a more limited menu. We’ve eaten there several times, have enjoyed the same food as served upstairs, but have paid less than we would have upstairs.
This is definitely a place to experience — it also offers special feasts and sleigh rides in the winter. I strongly recommend it!

This was our second time there. We went there for lunch so we were able to really enjoy the scenery, inside and out. The clam chowder is a must. Everything made from scratch and fresh. It was the best chowder I’ve ever had. My friend had the French onion soup that was to die for. For dessert, a Brookie (a cookie n brownie married by ice cream), yum yum!
After lunch, we walked back to the gazebo area and the flower and vegetable garden, where we came across the chef Charles who were picking chives and other vegetable to cook with. Very refreshing to see a chef out back picking his own vegetables to run back and cook with. I wish we had restaurants like this back in LA. If you’re ever near this area, it is a must try!!!

Recently went here with a pretty large group. The place itself is actually pretty cool. It’s an old farm house and it has all sorts of old colonial memorabilia. The servers dress like they are Amish. You feel Like you stepped back in time.
Unfortunately the food was pretty bad. I got a pork chop that was about as dry as could be, the white beans and onions it came with made the whole thing taste like soup out of a can. The French onion soup want bad but want great either. Probably wouldn’t have picked this spot but it was a family gathering.

We have now been to Salem Cross Inn twice and virtually had the same experience both times. It’s very casual so don’t feel the need to get all gussied-​up. The staff wear sneakers and faux Amish style garments (except for the male workers)
Neither my sister nor I were impressed with the menu, the ambiance, the service or the food. I conclude that Salem Cross Inn would be long gone, perhaps it would be a museum or private home if not for the historic «New England kitsch» that is the life force of the establishment.
Also, other than a couple of restaurants that specialize in breakfast/​lunch within a 3 mile radius, it’s the best place to get food that’s not out of a box/​previously frozen. However, the artichokes that were used in my scallop appetizer were definitely out of a can or jar (I know the difference) and that doesn’t work for me! They were lucky I was in a good mood or I would have sent it back.
The food is heavy but I doubt that bothers the locals, I’m also quite sure the locals are A-​ok with Salem Cross. It also seems to be a destination place for weddings and private functions. Therefor, Salem Cross is not relying on a steady stream of guests to make or break the business. Having worked in hospitality b4 I can tell you 2 nights of private parties bring in the same revenue as 2 wks of regular business. Private functions bring in big bucks!
Menu: boring and outdated but filled with traditional «heavy» meals sure to satisfy most people as the entrée’s are reasonably priced.
Ambiance: considering the $$ they should have pocketed over the years I think they could step it up a bit.
Service: needs serious improvement «major» and/​or a new manager!
Starting with the woman who greeted us both times we were there; not the most pleasant and could someone please tell her to put on some real shoes. Open toed «beach like» sandals are inappropriate for ANY staff member to wear in a restaurant while working. Also, it LQQK’s out of place and weird when it’s 45 degree’s outside. I don’t care if she’s the owner, an owner or a member of the owners’s family, I seriously almost said something.
Let’s talk about how the staff handles the dinnerware (aka: cutlery/​flatware) and glasses. I noticed virtually everyone handling the dinnerware in an unsanitary way, fingers inside the tops of clean water glasses while resetting tables and clearing them (dirty), I could go on & on about what I saw but just know the service standards at Salem Cross are unacceptable!
In conclusion and leaving out a lot of ranting about service I’d also like to mention I don’t think I saw one (NOT one) staff member smile either time we were there. Neither time were the waitresses who served us the friendliest either, they had the disposition of an unhappy field hand.
I gave it 3 stars and that was kind … trust me I’m being kind, mainly because as I mentioned it’s not got much to compare to for miles.
For a proper dinner experience I’d look to Sturbridge or Amherst.